Chapter Thirty-One
Asher
W e landed in the wooded area behind the Fire Warden’s manor, not deep into the trees or very far from the house at all. It was nothing impressive, but still, I had portaled!
Sterling looked like he might be sick, his skin a faint shade of green beneath the pale light of the moon. Okay, so maybe portaled was a stretch.
“Sterling, I need you to stay hidden.” Gripping his shoulders and looking up into his eyes, I tried to convey the importance of what I was ordering him to do.
“But—but I do not understand,” he muttered, watery eyes darting between mine.
“I know, but you will. We are going to go home, Sterling. We both are.” I felt the first tear run down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away. I needed to be strong. I needed to do what I was born to do—protect and lead.
“Okay, then let me come with you. I can help. Just please, do not make me leave you behind.” There was a desperation to his plea, as if he could not fathom being separated. “Let me protect you.”
“The best thing you can do for me right now is to hide, okay? Stay hidden and safe. I need you to survive, Sterling. Me and you, we have a world to see and a life to live. We are going to get home.”
Then I leaned up on my toes and pulled his head down to me, placing a soft kiss on his forehead before letting him go entirely.
“Please do not die. I have never been popular, never had people wanting to be my friend or taking the time to understand me. Other than my family, I have no one. No one, but you.” Sorrow stretched his face, turning it downwards. My heart clenched, a new loved one filling it up and weighing it down.
“Well, since you asked so nicely,” I responded, chuckling to hide the terror inside of me. “I will bring you back someone’s head.”
“Please do not do that,” he quickly said, lifting his hands. I began backing away, offering two thumbs up.
“Fine, you are twisting my leg but I will bring you two.”
“Asher!”
“Sorry, got to go save our asses! Two heads, pinky promise!” And then I ran, ready to find my family in whatever mess was about to begin.
As soon as I rounded the first corner, I was met with the sight of Golden Guard everywhere. More than were in Haven or Behman. I tried to stay small as I ducked between trees and stuck close to the manor, but my hideous dress was getting in the way. I missed my leathers.
“Come on, Strange One, do you really think that they will come back for you?” I yelped at the appearance of Wrath at my side, the top of his head reaching my shoulder.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I hissed back, trying to stay quiet. I needed to conserve my magic until I found Mia. Which meant no searching for minds nearby or shattering them on sight. I needed to be cunning, cool, collected…ideally not crazy.
“Just because they are real, does not mean they want you back.” I stilled, peering at him from the corner of my eye. “You are the reason that Haven was destroyed, that all of those fae died. It is your fault that Behman was attacked. Your fault that they lost Winona and Luca. You are the reason I am dead.”
A soft sob racked through me, shaking my entire body.
“Go away!” I screamed, swiping at him. My hand sailed through him, touching nothing but air until it smacked into the tree. I tried to ignore the words, but even when he smirked and disappeared, Wrath’s voice still yelled in my head.
Your fault!
Your fault!
Your fault!
Your. Fault.
It was my fault. But I would be damned if it were for nothing. A shout caught my attention, gold clad soldiers heading my way after my outburst caught their attention. With a deep breath, I willed every feeling other than fury to burrow down within me. I caged them, just as I used to. They could be felt later, but right now, Bellamy was here. My family was here. Even if I did not deserve them, they still came. And they needed me.